Mountain bike racing is more than just a test of skill and stamina, it
is also a game of luck. In the case of Cassie Smith, bad luck
took her out of the lead in the form of a flat tire giving Missy
Showman the lead which she held onto to take first place in the
Womens Expert class.

People have been mountain biking at Coopers Rock SF about as long as
mountain bikes have been around. Being on the back porch of Morgantown
and WVU - the forest perpetually hosts quite a load of mountain
bikers. The forest has also been home to many a mountain bike race
including 14 Henry Clay races. With its extensive trail system
and rugged terrain, it's no wonder that the forest trails see many
visitors from far off lands such as Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York
and Ohio. One thing not lacking at Coopers are rocks. Lots of rocks
waiting for the next unfortunate underinflated tire to pinch flat.

Missy Showman on her way to a win

In the Mens Expert, Jeremiah Bishop
continued his assault on the WVMBA Points Series Championship in
taking first place honors, building a 1 minute lead at the half way
point up to a three minute gap at the finish. In the Vet Expert class,
Steve Thaxton garnered another win putting him in a solid
position with only two races to go in the series. Thaxton was aided by
Gunnar Shogren who gave up his wheel as he sprinted up the
first road climb (3 miles worth). Alas, the help didn't do Shogren
much good who promptly blew up at the top as he grabbed for the honor
of getting to the top of the hill first.

In the Jr. Expert class, David Layman took the win followed by
Mike Raney in second. The pair finished in 8th and 10th overall
so watch out next year. In the continuing battle for the sport class,
Joe Stone held off JB Forinash and Ian Custer to
take the win while Matt McDonald wasn't far behind in taking
the Jr. Sport win. In the Womens Sport class, Stacey Levendorf
took top honors while Shandon Hime headed up the big boys
(clydesdale).